Hotel Emergency Lighting and Signing Fundamentals

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is one of many parties which regulate the safety requirements of each hotel within the country. Almost all states have adopted their codes. They regulate emergency lighting for these types of commercial facilities. International Fire Codes are another set of regulations which pertain to signing and egress path identifiers used in your buildings. States either use these sets of standards or have adapted them to fit their own circumstances. Local building code laws are the best resource for learning how hotel emergency lighting and other items should be applied throughout your building.

Backup lighting is used to make egress paths and exits visible when your building needs to be evacuated. Lights must be placed in stairwells, above exit doors, along hallways, and in any other locations which lead to a way out of the structure. Minimum performance requirements for these systems are ninety minutes in length. Emergency lights need to be connected to a backup power source or installed to utilize battery power. System testing must be performed periodically to ensure all lights are functioning correctly. Tags may be placed on the generators and lighting system components showing testing information. Local systems utilize battery power while whole systems use backup generator power. Fire codes also require your hotel to have items in place for identifying exit locations or paths to these points.

Fire Safety Signs: Factors to Consider

Lighting combines with fire safety signs to provide an easy to follow route to the nearest exit of your hotel. Each floor needs its own set of identifiers which can vary depending on floor design. Signing for fire exits may be a simple red and white exit sign. Other varieties have a green background with white lettering. They can include the well known running man as well as directional arrows. It is important to choose the right combination for each leading exit location. Each floor should have a sign showing the level number. Fire doors can be marked with instruction specific fire safety signs. Egress markings are used to outline stairs, doors, and hazards. Thoroughly evaluate your building to determine the number of exits as well as all materials needed to appropriately direct individuals to these egress points.

Remember to place these items so they can be seen easily when hotel emergency lighting has been turned on. Lighting may not work due to failed generators, dead batteries, and interruptions of electrical wiring. It is likely guests will have to progress down many flights of stairs to exit the building. Keep this in mind when choosing signs for your structure. Photoluminescent signs are a good option which has become widely available due to improved visibility. When luminous markings outline stairs or doors, these items are locatable in minimal to no light. Usage of signs made from this material allows your building to be free of common restrictions connected to battery or electrical powered identifiers. They can save money while providing a more dependable route to guests. GloBrite offers many varieties of signs and marking materials you can use to increase the effectiveness of your guest evacuation process.